Rabbi Running for Congress Touts Cantor Donation

Shmuley Boteach, a New Jersey congressional candidate, is touting a $5,000 contribution from House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, bringing attention to a colorful candidacy that may be, unlikely to prevail given the district’s Democratic leanings.

Mr. Boteach labels himself “America’s rabbi,” and he’s turned out a series of books with names like “Kosher Sex,” “The Kosher Sutra,” “Kosher Jesus,” and “Dating Secrets of the 10 Commandments.” “Kosher Sex,” his best-known book, was published in 2000, and it used traditional Jewish teachings to discuss how married couples can have meaningful sex.

Mr. Boteach has also published “The Michael Jackson Tapes,” in which the singer and the rabbi explore the effects of celebrity. He hosts a television show, TLC’s “Shalom in the Home,” on solving family problems.

In making the contribution to Mr. Boteach’s campaign, Mr. Cantor said he’s “confident he will bring the type of leadership we need.” Mr. Boteach thanked Mr. Cantor for his “solid and unwavering support in my congressional campaign.”

Mr. Cantor is the only Jewish Republican in Congress, and Mr. Boteach has an uphill battle in joining him. After New Jersey’s redistricting battle, the 9th Congressional District is not only heavily Democratic but also the scene of a face-off between two established Democratic incumbents, Reps. Bill Pascrell and Steve Rothman, one-time friends.

Recent letters from leaders of the Orthodox Jewish community in Passaic have urged Republicans in their community to change their party affiliation and vote for Mr. Rothman in the June 5 primary. Mr. Rothman is Jewish while Mr. Pascrell is not, and the Rothman campaign funded the letters, according to the Bergen County Record.

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